Breaking Down the Four Sections on the PreACT 9

Recently, it was announced that Chicago Public Schools has replaced the CPS HSAT with the PreACT 9 Secure, a nationally recognized assessment that is now being administered to rising Chicago 8th-graders as part of the Selective Enrollment High School admissions process.

The change represents far more than a simple name swap. The PreACT 9 is a fundamentally different type of exam. While the CPS HSAT was built specifically for CPS admissions, the PreACT 9 was created to measure academic readiness and predict future success on the ACT, the college entrance exam many students take during high school. As a result, families are encountering a test that is longer, more comprehensive, and more closely aligned with the skills students will need throughout high school and beyond.

One of the first things families notice about the PreACT 9 is its length. The exam includes four separate sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and requires students to maintain concentration for two and a hours. Success on the exam depends not only on academic ability, but also on a student's capacity to stay focused and work efficiently over an extended period of time. Here is a breakdown of each of the sections seen on the PreACT 9:

The English section focuses on grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, usage, and writing effectiveness. Students are presented with passages and asked to identify the best revisions, correct grammatical errors, improve sentence flow, and strengthen organization. Questions frequently require students to understand comma usage, subject-verb agreement, sentence boundaries, transitions, and word choice. Students are tested on writing production (27-33% of questions), language knowledge (12-18% of questions), and English conventions (48-55% of questions), and students are given 35 minutes to answer 44 questions.

The Math section combines computational skills with higher-level reasoning. Students encounter questions involving algebra, geometry, ratios, proportions, statistics, and data analysis. Students must analyze information, interpret graphs, and choose efficient solution strategies while managing strict time limits. Students are tested on the real number system (10-13% of questions), algebra (20-27% of questions), functions (20-27% of questions), geometry (10-13% of questions), and statistics/probability (10-13%), and are given 45 minutes to answer 35 questions.

The Reading section involves reading passages drawn from literature, social studies, humanities, and science before answering questions that assess comprehension and analytical thinking. Rather than focusing solely on straightforward details, many questions require students to infer meaning, identify an author's purpose, evaluate tone, and determine how evidence supports an argument. The challenge lies in balancing speed with accuracy; students must process substantial amounts of information without sacrificing careful analysis. Students are tested on key ideas and details (52-60% of questions), craft and structure (28-36% of questions), and integration of knowledge and ideas (12-16% of questions), and are given 40 minutes to answer 33 questions.

For the Science section, many students enter the test expecting questions that emphasize memorized scientific facts, formulas, or vocabulary. Instead, the Science section is largely an exercise in data interpretation and reasoning. Students are presented with science-oriented reading passages, graphs, charts, experimental results, and research summaries. They must identify trends, evaluate conclusions, compare experimental designs, and draw logical inferences from evidence. In many cases, prior scientific knowledge plays a smaller role than the ability to analyze information quickly and accurately. Students who are comfortable reading tables and scientific passages, as well as interpreting visual data often perform well, even if they do not consider science to be their strongest subject. Students are tested on interpretation of data (23-50%), scientific investigation (15-35% of questions), and evaluation of models, inferences, and experiments (19-38% of questions), and are given 35 minutes to answer 32 questions.

Beyond the test itself, one of the most significant features of the PreACT 9 is the detailed score report students receive afterward. Unlike many admissions exams that provide only a single score, the PreACT 9 offers a comprehensive breakdown of performance across multiple areas. Students receive individual scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science, along with an overall composite score that reflects their performance across the entire assessment. This allows families to see where students excel and where additional support may be needed.

Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9. Note that Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program. Through our connection, we have been aware that such a change might occur, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum.

CPS Announces “PreACT 9 Secure” as New CPS High School Entrance Exam

Yesterday, CPS announced to school leaders that, beginning this fall, the CPS HSAT test will be replaced by a new exam, the PreACT 9 Secure. This test will be the new exam used for the GoCPS high school admissions process, and will be offered to all 8th-grade students.

Overall, students can expect the following changes when taking the new exam:

• The PreACT 9 Secure is a longer test than the CPS HSAT. The CPS HSAT lasted one hour, while the PreACT 9 Secure will last approximately two and a half hours.

• The PreACT 9 Secure includes 4 sections, while the CPS HSAT only included 2. The CPS HSAT had a 30-minute Math section and a 30-minute Reading section; the PreACT 9 Secure will have a 35-minute ELA section, a 40-minute Reading section, a 45-minute Math section, and a 35-minute Science section.

• The PreACT 9 Secure will only be available in English, though it will still have accommodations for ESL students. The CPS HSAT had been available in multiple languages, but the PreACT 9 Secure will not have this option available.

CPS has cited the following reasons for this adjustment:

• The PreACT 9 Secure provides more information to high school staff on students entering their 9th-grade course. As the PreACT 9 Secure has four sections (Math, Reading, ELA, and Science) and tests more skills than the CPS HSAT, it can be used for more than just admissions, providing high schools with meaningful information on student performance that can lead to course placement and programming decisions.

• The PreACT 9 Secure aligns with the ACT. This will help students gain experience with the structure of the ACT, which they will take later in high school. CPS now administers the ACT to all CPS high school students.

• The PreACT 9 Secure has more publicly available information and content. The CPS HSAT did not have information publicly available regarding length, sections included, and content. The PreACT 9 Secure is a test used across the country, meaning that students will now have more access to information about what to expect on the exam. Additionally, because the exam is widely used, there will be greater access to free or low-cost test prep resources.

• The PreACT 9 Secure is a tested, stable platform. In the past, students encountered multiple issues with the platform used for the CPS HSAT. The PreACT platform has stronger, more stable technology and security.

Note that Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program. Through our connection, we have been aware that such a change might occur, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum.

Comparing the CPS HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE: A Look at the Most Common High School Entrance Exams

Families applying to high schools in Chicago often hear about the CPS HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE, but these exams are used for different types of schools, and vary in content, length, and administration. Understanding the differences can make the admissions process much less confusing and simplify preparation. 

The CPS HSAT, or CPS High School Admissions Test, is the entrance exam for Chicago Selective Enrollment High Schools in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Students applying to schools like Walter Payton, Northside, Whitney Young, or Jones take this exam during 8th grade, typically in October. The test is relatively short compared to other admissions exams, lasting only 60 minutes, and features only two sections: Math and Reading. It is designed to measure how well students have mastered middle school academics rather than advanced reasoning or vocabulary, and students take it online. As such, often, the biggest challenge students face is time management. Since students only get 30 minutes for 25 reading questions and multiple passages, and 30 minutes for approximately 39 math questions, moving quickly, but accurately, through the exam is an important skill for students taking the test to develop. Learn more about the CPS HSAT here.

The HSPT, or High School Placement Test, is the entrance exam commonly used by Catholic high schools. In the Chicago area, schools such as Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius, Fenwick, and DePaul Prep use HSPT scores as part of admissions decisions; many of these schools also use the HSPT to determine decisions around scholarships and financial aid. Note that most Chicago parochial high schools require students to sit for the exam, which is taken in December of a student's 8th-grade year, at the school to be considered for admission or scholarships (learn more about individual school requirements here). The HSPT is longer and much more fast-paced than the CPS HSAT. In addition to Math and Reading sections, similar to those on the CPS HSAT, it includes Verbal Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, and Language sections that test vocabulary, grammar, and mathematical reasoning/logic. Many students find the pacing challenging because so many questions are packed into a relatively short amount of time: students have 16 minutes to answer 60 questions on the Verbal Skills section, 30 minutes for 52 questions on the Quantitative Reasoning section, 25 minutes for 62 questions on the  Reading section, 30 minutes for 64 questions on the Math section, and 25 minutes for 60 questions on the Language section. Some schools also add an optional essay or science section. The entire exam takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, not including additional sections, and is administered via paper/pencil. This results in an exam that requires high stamina and an extreme level of focus from students throughout the duration of the test. Learn more about the HSPT here.

The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Exam, is used by many private and independent schools across the country, including in Chicago. Unlike the CPS HSAT, the ISEE places a stronger emphasis on reasoning and problem-solving skills in addition to academic knowledge. It includes Verbal Reasoning (20 minutes, 40 questions), Quantitative Reasoning (35 minutes, 37 questions), Reading Comprehension (35 minutes, 36 questions), and Math (40 minutes, 47 questions) sections, as well as an optional unscored Essay (1 prompt, 30 minutes). Many families consider the ISEE the most academically demanding of the three exams, because of its advanced vocabulary and reasoning components. Not including the additional essay portion, the exam runs a total of 2 hours and 10 minutes, and is typically offered online (though there is a paper/pencil option), with options to take the test in the fall, winter, and spring/summer. Learn more about the ISEE here.

Although all three are admissions tests, each is designed for a different school system. Students applying to multiple types of schools will need to take more than one exam, which is why it is important for families to understand which test each school requires and what differentiates them before beginning the admissions process. Though there is some overlap in terms of content, preparing for these exams presents different challenges. Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for any combination of exams that they plan to take. With the end of the school year just around the corner, now is the right time to get started! Parents can view our 8th-Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here and our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for any combination of HSEEs here.

The CPS HSAT: What You Need to Know

The CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is Chicago Public Schools’ official test for 8th graders applying to Selective Enrollment High Schools, as well as other public schools that feature International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) and Double Honors programs. With the school year coming to a close, many parents of 7th-graders want to know as much as they can about the exam, so they can determine how to best help their student prepare. Below, find key information about the CPS HSAT!

The exam takes a total of 60 minutes and includes two sections: Reading and Math. The Reading section includes approximately 25 reading questions, which are to be completed in 30 minutes. The Math section includes approximately 39 math questions, which are also to be completed in 30 minutes. While there is no guessing penalty on the exam, it is single take only. Students are not allowed to use a calculator, and the test is administered online (though they are allowed to use scratch paper).

Though this is typically how the test is structured, students with learning disabilities, including ADHD, dyslexia, or processing disorders, can receive testing accommodations such as extended time (i.e. time-and-a-half, or 50% extended time), extra breaks, or small group testing. To get these accommodations, you must indicate on your GoCPS application that your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, which triggers a review by CPS. This will not negatively impact your student’s application process.

In regards to content, CPS does not publicly release official test materials, sample questions, or detailed outlines of what is covered on the exam. At Test Prep Chicago, we stay up-to-date on the material in these exams by conducting exit interviews each year with students right after they take the CPS HSAT. This allows us to adjust our materials and instruction based on the most recent trends, material, subjects, and question types that students encounter.

If your student is looking to begin preparing for the CPS HSAT, Test Prep Chicago can help! Parents can view our 8th Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here and our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for the CPS HSAT here.

An Overview: CPS’s Selective Enrollment High Schools

Chicago Public Schools’ Selective Enrollment High Schools represent some of the most academically rigorous public school options in the city. Unlike neighborhood or open-enrollment schools, selective enrollment schools admit students based on a competitive application process that considers entrance exam scores from the CPS HSAT and 7th-grade core grades. Selective Enrollment High Schools are designed for students seeking accelerated coursework, challenging academics, and enriched learning environments, while remaining part of the public school system and tuition-free.

What makes Selective Enrollment High Schools unique is their focus on advanced instruction and college preparation. Many offer honors and Advanced Placement courses starting early in high school, specialized academic themes, and highly structured academic expectations. Admission is competitive, and students are surrounded by peers who are similarly motivated, which often creates a fast-paced and intellectually demanding environment. Below, find a short breakdown of each of the Selective Enrollment High Schools in Chicago

Walter Payton
Among the most well-known selective enrollment schools is Walter Payton College Preparatory High School. Located in Old Town, Walter Payton is recognized for its strong academics, wide range of AP courses, and emphasis on global studies and civic engagement. 

Jones
Jones College Prep, located in Printers Row, is notable for its International Baccalaureate program and strong focus on humanities and critical thinking, while also offering extensive AP options. 

Northside
Northside College Preparatory High School (located in North Park) is often regarded as one of the most academically intense schools in the district, with a heavy emphasis on STEM and a rigorous workload across all subjects.

Whitney Young
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, a selective enrollment high school in Near West Side, combines academic excellence with a strong emphasis on leadership, service, and diversity, offering students opportunities to engage in both advanced coursework and extracurricular activities. 

Lane Tech
Lane Tech College Prep High School, the largest selective enrollment school in CPS located in Roscoe Village, stands out for its wide variety of academic pathways, extracurriculars, and athletic programs, giving students flexibility within a selective academic setting.

Lindblom
Lindblom Math & Science Academy emphasizes STEM education and research-based learning. It is located in West Englewood.

King
Located in the Kenwood neighborhood, King College Preparatory High School offers a strong college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on leadership and community engagement. 

Brooks 
Brooks College Prep Academy, which is situated in the Roseland neighborhood, is known for its structured academic environment and emphasis on writing, literacy, and college readiness. 

Westinghouse
Westinghouse College Prep, a STEM-focused school in West Side, highlights engineering, technology, and applied sciences. 

Hancock
Hancock College Preparatory High School provides a rigorous curriculum with a close-knit community feel, appealing to students seeking strong academics in a smaller environment. It is in the Clearing neighborhood.

If you have a student looking to attend one of these top Chicago Selective Enrollment High Schools, Test Prep Chicago can help. Parents can view our 8th Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here and our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for the CPS HSAT here.

Preparing Students Who Struggle with Math for the Algebra Exit Exam: What You Can Do

For many Chicago Public Schools students, the Algebra Exit Exam can feel especially challenging, particularly for those who have struggled with math in the past. Because the exam is designed to measure readiness for high school-level coursework, it requires not only familiarity with algebra concepts but also confidence, stamina, and strong problem-solving habits. With the right support and strategies, however, students who find math difficult or don’t necessarily feel confident in algebra can still make meaningful progress and perform successfully on the exam.

One of the most important first steps is identifying specific gaps in understanding. Students who struggle with math are often missing foundational skills, such as working with integers, fractions, or basic equations, which can make higher-level algebra feel overwhelming. Going back to the basics of understanding algebra concepts by reviewing classwork, quizzes, and practice assessments can help pinpoint whether difficulties stem from conceptual misunderstandings, procedural errors, or test-taking habits. Once these gaps are clear, preparation becomes far more focused and effective.

Building confidence through practice is equally important. Many students who struggle with math develop anxiety that interferes with performance, even when they know how to solve a problem. Regular, low-pressure practice helps students become more comfortable with the types of questions they will see on the Algebra Exit Exam. Working through problems step by step, explaining reasoning out loud, and revisiting mistakes without judgment can shift a student’s mindset from frustration to persistence.

Because the Algebra Exit Exam emphasizes linear relationships, equations, functions, and systems, preparation should focus on mastering these core topics rather than trying to review everything at once or completely mastering all algebra topics. Breaking content into manageable pieces allows students to experience small successes, which builds momentum over time. Visual support such as graphs, tables, and real-world examples can be especially helpful for students who struggle with abstract concepts.

Time management can be another common challenge for students. The exam is timed, and students who struggle in math may spend too long on difficult questions and lose points they could have earned elsewhere. Teaching pacing strategies, such as recognizing when to move on, eliminating incorrect answer choices, and returning to challenging problems later, can significantly improve overall performance. Practice tests under timed conditions help students learn how to balance accuracy with efficiency.

The fact is, preparing for the Algebra Exit Exam is not just about passing a test. It is about helping students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in high school math and beyond. With early intervention, focused practice, and the right support system, students who struggle with math can approach the Algebra Exit Exam with greater confidence and a stronger foundation for future success.

Test Prep Chicago is equipped to assist students with prep for the Algebra Exit Exam, no matter where they are in their math journey. Though our Algebra Exit Exam prep courses have already begun, we still have two Algebra Exit Exam one-day workshops running this weekend (click here), which involve students taking a practice test based on the real exam, breaking for a pizza lunch provided by us, and reviewing answer explanations and test-taking strategies with a tutor. TPC also has individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students looking for one-on-one, personalized help on their Algebra Exit Exam prep. This can be especially useful for students who may struggle in group settings or with algebra topics. With the exam coming up next week, be sure to take advantage of these final test prep opportunities for your student!

Content Overview: Algebra I Topics Seen on the Algebra Exit Exam

For students in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) taking Algebra I in middle school, the Algebra Exit Exam is an end-of-course assessment designed to measure mastery of the key algebra skills taught during that year and to help determine readiness for higher-level math in high school. The exam aligns with the district’s Algebra I curriculum and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, and it draws directly from the critical concepts students encounter in their algebra studies, preparing them for mathematical studies that they will encounter in high school. Succeeding on the Algebra Exit Exam can help students go down accelerated math pathways in high school, and later, in college. Below, we will review the content and structure of what to expect on the Algebra Exit Exam.

The Algebra Exit Exam typically includes around 40 questions that mix multiple-choice items with numeric response problems. Students are given about 120 minutes to complete it. This format requires a strong ability to reason, make educated guesses, and solve problems efficiently and in an organized manner, encouraging students to show not just correct answers but understanding of mathematical processes.

While we don’t know exactly what will be on the test, we expect to see common Algebra topics addressed. This will include things like linear relationships; students need to interpret, represent, and manipulate linear equations and inequalities, solve them using a variety of methods, and connect algebraic expressions to graphs, tables, and real-world contexts. Other common Algebra topics that may be seen on the exam include slope, intercept, translation, functions, systems of equations, inequalities, and quadratic equations. Throughout the Algebra Exit Exam, emphasis is placed on understanding equivalent expressions, manipulating algebraic structures, and using mathematical reasoning to justify solutions. Students also interpret and analyze data, which connects algebraic thinking to real-world problem solving.

It is important to note that the exam, similarly to ones that a student would encounter in-class, assumes that students are confident with expressions and equations. This means students must be comfortable simplifying various expressions, applying the distributive property, combining like terms, and using algebraic reasoning to model and solve problems. These foundational skills support the more complex work with functions and systems.

While TPC’s Algebra Exit Exam prep courses have already begun, we still have one-day Algebra Exit Exam workshops available for enrollment (click here), which involve students taking a practice test based on the real exam, breaking for a pizza lunch provided by us, and reviewing answer explanations and test-taking strategies with a tutor. TPC also has individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students looking for one-on-one, personalized help on their Algebra Exit Exam prep.

When Should Students Begin Preparing for Chicago’s 8th Grade High School Entrance Exams?

With springtime of 2026 moving along quickly, many 7th-grade parents want to know: when should students begin to prepare for the CPS HSAT for Selective Enrollment Schools, HSPT for Catholic High Schools, and ISEE for Independent Schools? All three of these exams are important parts of the high school application process, and many parents begin to get anxious about admissions requirements and testing as the summer approaches. Below, Test Prep Chicago is happy to provide recommendations for when to begin test prep for each of these exams. 

For students in Chicago who plan to apply to Selective Enrollment High Schools, the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is an important part of the process. It is scheduled each fall; for example, CPS students took the CPS HSAT in early October in 2025 for the 2025-2026 season, with non‑CPS students following on later weekend dates in October. This year, we expect the exam to be taken on Wednesday, October 7th by CPS students, and subsequent weekends in October by non-CPS students. Because the CPS HSAT is offered only once per year and there are no retakes, preparation timing matters. At Test Prep Chicago, we recommend starting during the summer before 8th grade, about three months before the test begins. Beginning prep in July or August gives students a gentle ramp‑up period to build familiarity with the test format and strengthen core math and reading skills before 8th grade gets busy.

For students in Chicago who plan to apply to Catholic High Schools, they will take the High School Placement Test (HSPT). The exam is scheduled the same way each year for all schools, and will take place on the first Saturday of December. For the 2026-2027 application season, this will fall on Saturday, December 5th. As such, we recommend that all students planning to take the HSPT begin prep around 3 months in advance of the exam, around early September to mid-October. For students planning to take both the CPS HSAT and HSPT, we recommend that students begin with foundational Math and Reading prep that will be applicable to both exams over the summer before their 7th grade year, and round out with preparing for the remaining sections once the CPS HSAT has been taken.

Finally, for students across the country planning to apply to Independent or Private High Schools, exam dates for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) vary. Students can find out about potential 2026-2027 application season testing dates here, and may take the exam once per season (fall, winter, or spring/summer). Most 8th grade students end up taking the exam in early January, and we recommend beginning prep for this around October of a student’s 8th grade year. If a student is also taking the CPS HSAT and/or the HSPT, TPC recommends that students, again, begin with preparation for the Math and Reading sections that appear on all three exams, before branching out into material that is applicable to the additional sections on the HSPT and ISEE.

If you have any questions about our recommendations for 8th Grade High School Entrance Exam (HSEE) prep, please contact our team at info@testprepchicago.com! Come June and July of 2026, parents will be able to see our 8th Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here, our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for any, or all, of the HSEEs here.

The Algebra Exit Exam: What You Need to Know

Across Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the Algebra Exit Exam is an important benchmark for mostly 8th-grade students taking high school-level Algebra I; the exam, often forgotten next to the High School Entrance Exams and CPS HSAT, plays a meaningful role in determining a student’s readiness for more advanced mathematics in high school. It isn’t a graduation exam or a state-wide requirement, but it is a district assessment given annually in the spring to students enrolled in an approved Algebra I course in 7th or 8th grade. The results help schools decide whether students are prepared for higher-level math like geometry or honors courses when they enter high school, and can result in students “testing out” of certain Algebra courses when they enter their secondary school.

The Algebra Exit Exam is aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the CPS Algebra I curriculum, meaning it assesses the key concepts students are expected to learn in that course. The exam includes a mix of multiple-choice questions and constructed response items that require students not only to solve problems, but also to explain their reasoning. Depending on the specific year and blueprint used, the exam typically features around 37 to 40 questions assessing foundational algebra topics such as expressions, equations, functions, and problem-solving with variables. It is administered online and usually takes about 120 minutes to complete.

Students take the Algebra Exit Exam near the end of the school year, often in late May, while they are enrolled in Algebra I. CPS students take the test at their own school during normal school hours, while non-CPS students who plan to enroll in a CPS high school must register to take the exam at a district-designated location on a weekend date in May. For the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, we anticipate that the exam will take place in late May.

When the exam is scored, students receive a scaled score; the results are classified as pass or did not pass. A score at or above the district’s established “pass” threshold indicates that a student has a generally consistent understanding of algebra skills and is ready to progress to the next level of math coursework. There is also a “high pass” category for students who demonstrate an especially strong and masterful understanding of algebra concepts. Students who earn a pass or high pass can typically enter geometry or honors geometry as freshmen, which positions them for accelerated math pathways throughout high school. This can also lead students to testing out of required Math-related courses when they reach college.

For families and educators, the Algebra Exit Exam serves several purposes. It ensures that students who take Algebra I in middle school have truly mastered the subject before moving forward, supports appropriate placement in high school math sequences, and can open opportunities for more advanced courses like honors geometry or AP mathematics. While the test is only one piece of placement decisions, preparing for it helps students build confidence and strengthens foundational math skills that will benefit them throughout high school and beyond.

Test Prep Chicago is now offering Algebra Exit Exam prep courses (click here). These courses, which run for a total of ten hours, include a Diagnostic and Final exam, a review of material seen on the exam and test-taking strategies, and testing analytics. TPC is also offering one-day Algebra Exit Exam one-day workshops (click here), which involves students taking a practice test based on the real exam, breaking for a pizza lunch provided by us, and reviewing answer explanations and test-taking strategies with a tutor. TPC also has individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students looking for one-on-one, personalized help on their Algebra Exit Exam prep.

Why Test Prep Matters for the ACT: How Practice Makes Perfect

The ACT is more than just a test of what you know in math, English, reading, and science–it’s a test of how well you can apply those skills under time pressure. For many students, the difference between an average score and a standout score doesn’t come down to intelligence or effort in school, but to preparation. This is where focused ACT test prep makes a real and measurable difference.

Practice is essential for the ACT because it has its own structure, pacing, and logic. Even strong students can struggle if they aren’t familiar with the way questions are worded or how quickly they need to move through each section. Regular practice with practice exams, material seen on the exam, and keeping time helps students recognize patterns, anticipate common traps, and build confidence with the test format. Over time, this familiarity reduces anxiety and allows students to focus on accuracy rather than panic. The ACT is quite fast-paced, and, as such, while many students may know the material, they can still simply run out of time. Through consistent practice, students learn pacing strategies, when to move on from a difficult question, and how to maximize points by prioritizing accuracy on questions they can control. These are skills that rarely develop on their own without guided practice and feedback.

Targeted ACT prep also helps students identify and strengthen their weaknesses. Practice tests reveal patterns—maybe grammar rules are costing points in English, or data interpretation is an issue in Science. Once those gaps are clear, focused tutoring can turn weak areas into strengths. Instead of studying everything at once, students learn how to study smarter, not longer.

At Test Prep Chicago, we are a proud Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content, making our practice tests some of the most accurate out there. We often see firsthand how structured preparation changes outcomes for students, regardless of where they are in their ACT prep journey. Our ACT tutoring is designed to combine content review, test-taking strategy instruction, and realistic practice so students know exactly what to expect on test day. Tutors can work one-on-one with students to personalize instruction, track progress, and adjust strategies as scores improve (sign-up here). We also have a summer ACT course coming up in July, perfect for students taking the exam in summer/fall of 2026 (sign up here)!